TCI News
A Statement from Sandals Resorts International
#Providenciales, July 20, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – Sandals Resorts International takes note of recent comments by the Leader of the 
Opposition in the Turks and Caicos Mr. Washington Misick, who was reported in the TCI Weekly News as saying the construction of a Fish Fry adjacent to the Key West Village of Beaches Resort was somehow halted because of the government ‘bending to the demands of the big man in Jamaica’, a reference to Chairman of Sandals the Hon. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.
We are unclear of what Mr. Misick is trying to insinuate, because it is no secret that Sandals did raise genuine concerns about the development being just across the road from the resort, although we have received no official communication in line with what he has said.
The fact is that the proximity of such an event would cause major disruption for guests who would have invested in a vacation to the Turks and Caicos, because as was reported in the very same article, residents close to the where the Fish Fry now takes place have complained vociferously about the loud music, and the mess that is left in the wake of the event.
If that is the case there, then what does the Hon. Opposition Leader think will happen when you move it just across the road from the hotel?
We are surprised that such a statement would come from a gentleman who is very much aware of the importance of tourism to the economy, and how equally important it is for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that we provide the very best experience for the guests who choose the TCI.
The fact is there are certain minimum requirements needed if you want to have a luxury five-star resort and if you want it to operate successfully. 
That is why it was written into our development agreement that there be a proximity limit outside and around the resort with respect to the construction of itinerant or fixed structures, as well as any vending.
It is fair to say we have delivered from our end and Beaches’ contribution to the economy of the Turks and Caicos is there for all to see. We are the largest tax payer, the leading employer and provider of training, and we are unmatched in terms of marketing and promoting the TCI product. A successful resort ultimately benefits all, including the several team members working with us who are citizens of the TCI.
We wish to make it very clear that Beaches Resort is in full support of any initiative the Government has for growth and development. Our approach has always been one of dialogue, as it was when Mr. Misick himself was in government. We will always do the right thing when it comes to those who visit and those who live in this beautiful place, and we sincerely hope that the Opposition Leader, a much respected gentleman in the industry, holds that same view.
Release: Sandals Resorts
Her Excellency the Governor is pleased to announce that following an expressions of interest process, and in accordance with Section 5 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance 2007, Mr Dimaggio Rigby, Mr Geoff Scott and Mr Dennis Swann, have been appointed to serve as Commissioners on the Financial Services Commission Board of directors.
Mr Rigby brings specialist experience in cyber, media, and technology risks. He is currently employed in the City of London as a Cyber Insurance Market Consultant.
Mr Scott is a financial services professional with over 30 years’ successful track record in banking. He currently leads the Bermuda Bankers Association and was, until August 2022, the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Cooperation of Barbados Limited (ICBL).
Mr Swann is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He has expertise in Human Resources and worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for 12 years. He has previously worked within the TCI FSC.
Commenting on the appointments, the Governor said:
“Following consultation with the Hon. Premier (in his capacity as th
e Minister of Finance) and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, I have appointed Mr Dennis Swann, Mr Dimaggio Rigby and Mr Geoff Scott respectively, to serve as Commissioners (non-executive directors) on the Board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC). I am confident that the combined experience of these three new Commissioners will help ensure the FSC delivers our vision for a technologically advanced financial services sector that is competitive and supports growth, is well regulated while agile and internationally respected.
I would like to thank Mr Keno Forbes for his previous service as a Commissioner.”
The appointments are for a three-year period, beginning in April 2024. Further details on the work of the Financial Services Commission can be found at TCIFSC.
Wednesday, April 17th 2024 – On Monday the 15th April at 11 am, the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) unveiled their new brand to their supporters, members, the media, government departments and partnering NGO’s. The TCAAF, which is now the Turks and Caicos Health and Wellness Foundation (TCHWF) welcomed everyone to their new office which is oblique to the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, Downtown, Providenciales.
The TCHWF was founded in 2003 and is a registered non-profit organization in the TCI and a registered 501 (c) non-profit in the United States as well. TCHWF will focus on addressing broader health and social issues driven by the intersectionality of health and social factors, and disparities in services in the TCI.
At the ceremony, Dr. Dawn O’Sullivan, who provides medical care to persons living with HIV (PLHIV) through the Foundation and will continue to be the doctor on staff for TCHWF, gave the audience an insight on how the Foundation began. Dr. O’ Sullivan praised the board members, staff and volunteers for the success of the Foundation, which includes building the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. She explained that the rebranding was necessary since HIV is a chronic disease where you can take medication and live a long and healthy life, but support is needed for all persons living with chronic diseases and for the population that feels excluded or stigmatized.
TCHWF will provide holistic care to these populations. The new TCHWF office is comprised of a doctor’s office where patients can have consultations and be treated, and other comfortable spaces where persons can relax and unwind.
Nurse Nora Tyndall briefed the attendees on the services that the Foundation currently offers, such as the donation of a CD4 machine to the government so that patients can know their CD4 count before seeing the doctor. Other services being offered are free medical consultations, improved access to treatment and care, convenient access to medications, food cards, grocery distribution and the provision of formulas to infected mothers who give birth and cannot breastfeed. Nurse Tyndall highlighted that there is an increase in the number of pregnant women living with HIV in the TCI.
The new mandate of TCHWF is “Linking Lives, Transforming Communities”, the Foundation’s mission is to expand its services to connect HIV and non-HIV persons to entities and experts that can address varying needs.
The Executive Director of TCHWF, Anansa Jervis, highlighted the Foundation’s “aim to promote access to quality health services, information and education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Mrs. Jervis further explained that this would mean the need to “integrate HIV services and non-HIV services by increasing access to holistic and comprehensive health services needed for PLHIV and persons not living with HIV.” In this regard, the TCHWF intends to provide linkage to:
▪ The cultivation of youth empowerment and the development of life skills
▪ Health, hygiene, education and wellness strategies tailored to the needs of young women
▪ Care and support services for survivors of domestic violence
▪ Mental health, psychosocial services and recovery support services for persons with substance use disorders.
▪ Equitable access to HIV care and support services, addressing disparities.
To achieve these linkages, the Foundation has held discussions with various NGO’s and government organizations to provide the necessary services and support to persons with varying needs.
One of the Board Members of the Foundation, Giovanni Delancy, gave the closing address by expressing thanks to God, the members, staff, media and volunteers for attending the unveiling ceremony. He closed with “we will continue to bring awareness and education to those not only with HIV/AIDS but other STD’s and other diseases. Let us continue to make a difference wherever we go.”
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